Chain and the Gang is led by DC-based rocker Ian Svenonius, who has had a long and illustrious career. He’s been the frontman for some awesome bands such as Nation of Ulysses, The Make-Up, and Weird War, published a book, been in a couple movies, and hosted an online radio show. This summer I saw him play at What the Heck Fest with Calvin Johnson, whose influence has been rubbing off on him – this has mellowed out significantly from his Nation of Ulysses days, and is a very cohesive album of highly politicized gospel/blues-influence post-funk; think a combination of Sly and the Family Stone + Gang of Four. Lots of these songs were debuted at WTHF as part of a space-age Powerpoint show, and he’s coming to The Smell on May 22nd with The Hive Dwellers (Calvin Johnson’s newest group) and Jeremy Jay. Overall, a highly recommended release from a rock legend.